The content of this post is an adaptation of an original text written by Guy Laliberté.

I begin my medical evaluation–the first stage of the mission which, according to everyone here, is the least amusing part of the training program. That being said, it is a crucial step since all my test results will be submitted to the GMK (the Russian acronym for ‘Main Medical Commission’) who will then decide whether or not I’ll continue training for my mission in space.

Above you will see examples of many of the tests I was subjected to before being marched out in front of a group of doctors (fortunately, a Russian interpreter was by my side, translating everything back to me as not many people speak English here). As you will see, the whole medical portion of this experience is quite invasive, whereas virtually every part of my body was scanned, weighed, and probed. Even Cirque du Soleil’s Costume Department, which takes up to 70 measurements per artist to make each costume fit to a T, doesn’t go that far!

After having completed the tests at the GCTC (Gagarin Cosmonauts Training Center), I had to go to Moscow for a few days to undergo yet some more tests! Upon arrival at the hotel, I had a huge plate of spaghetti: I deserved such spoils after what I’d recently gone through!

At the end of the day, I attended Eurovision, caught Cirque du Soleil’s 3-4 minute performance and visited with the artists. I was so proud of my team!